TRURO HEIGHTS – The walls of Karen Butt’s home reflect her love for animals.

They’re adorned with golden retriever and cat-themed items on them, but her dedication to acting on this love is shown through the creatures she rescues.

Butt has been involved in animal rescue for several years and currently operates NS Golden Retriever and Friends Rescue.

“I was involved with Litters and Critters and started with this shortly after leaving that group,” she said. “My love for goldens started years ago with Goldie, a friend’s dog, and Kelsey, an older golden we rescued through the Truro Humane Society and I kept. They are gentle, sweet, smart dogs. I really love any dog or cat though.”

The Truro Heights woman shares her home with her own dogs and cats, including a 10-year-old golden retriever named Chelsea and a four-year-old dog named Beau, who is believed to be a golden retriever and Great Pyrenees mix. Because the rescue group keeps animals waiting for adoption in foster homes, Butt often has canines and felines temporarily join her family. Some of the animals, especially those who would be difficult to rehome due to health issues or timidity, end up as permanent residents.

“We started dealing with a few cats through the rescue about eight months ago and currently have two kittens for adoption,” she explained. “One of them was from a group of 14, which were rescued from an area along Robie Street.”

Little Sammy is a sleek, black, young male who loves attention and treats. The second feline available is Gracie, a playful, fluffy, grey tabby.

“We’ve rehomed about 200 dogs since starting in January 2009,” said Butt. “They all get veterinary care so we have to do quite a bit of fundraising. We have a yard sale and we set a table up at events. We will be at the (Best Western Plus) Glengarry on March 23 (for the Spring has Sprung Shopping Fair).”

“Joy and Vickie Lemon are the fundraising co-ordinators and any of us would love to hear from people who are interested in helping with raising money,” she said. “There are always animals in need of help so the fundraising can’t stop.”

Most of the dogs rehomed through the rescue come from owners who give them up for reasons such as divorce, death, allergies, or because they simply weren’t prepared for the level of responsibility a dog requires. A few of the dogs that come in have been removed from abusive environments or have been found as strays.

NS Golden Retriever Rescue works to educate people on proper pet care and the importance of spaying and neutering.

Comments

Comments

Your name*Email*Comment*

Recent comments

Elizabeth Bolton

March 09, 2014 - 11:33

I'm very proud to say Karen is my sister. I have learned so much about compassion from her. She deserves nothing but the best just for all the great things she has done with helping homeless, abused and unwanted dogs and cats. It's a shame that she has to pick up the slack where other people refuse to do so even though they are responsible for their animals. If anyone needs a very worthy cause to contribute to, be it monetary or just your time, please consider NS Golden Rescue!

Karen is a true animal hero and advocate. She has helped animals out of her own province. My personal experience came with a dog chained in a nearby community in Newfoundland. I unchained the dog and with a partner project between Beagle Paws NL and Karen, this dog called JOJO went to her and she in turn cared for him until she found him the perfect home..... Only problem this world has is, there aren't enough Karens! I love you Karen, ps I'm no relation, just same last name...;) but she can be my sister if she'll have me!